The popular representation of hypnosis is that of stage hypnosis, where hypnotists look for volunteers whom they lead to do bizarre, crazy things on-stage for sensationalism. However, the reality of professional, clinical hypnotherapy is very far from this popular image. Hypnosis is a recognised treatment for many types of problems and although a single, overall accrediting body does not yet exist in the UK, the practice of hypnotherapy is regulated by a number of bodies and professional associations relying on voluntary self-regulation of hypnotherapy professionals. This means that a hypnotherapist who has studied at, or is affiliated to, these associations can offer verifiable credentials to his or her patients.

Many professional clinical therapists start their career in the NHS, from where they may move on to study for a diploma at an organisation such as the Institute of Clinical Hypnosis in London.

The Institute of Clinical Hypnosis was founded in 1994 and is one of the most prestigious training colleges for clinical hypnotherapists. A diploma from the Institute - such as a Professional Diploma or an Advanced Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy - means that the hypnotherapist is trained in a range of therapeutic skills for dealing with issues such as smoking, weight loss, phobias and all other common problems which hypnotherapy can generally treat successfully.

Hypnotherapy is a complementary type of treatment, so its aim is not to replace psychiatry or psychotherapy but rather, to work alongside other healthcare providers offering an alternative option. The British Institute for Integrated Medicine was founded in 1982 with the aim to offer the public information on safe practice and to put patients in touch with professional and qualified practitioners. So, affiliation with the Institute for Integrated Medicine means that a hypnotherapist has been acknowledged to be adequately qualified and can offer a professional service in safe settings.

Likewise, the Hypnotherapy Society acts as a professional organisation to maintain good standards in the field of Hypnotherapy. Some of its members have participated in setting up the new National Occupational Standards for Hypnotherapy. The Society actively encourages voluntary self-regulation for hypnotherapy. Its members are encouraged to undertake regular training and professional development work.

The General Hypnotherapy Register is the largest professional register of hypnotherapists in the UK and is the administrating agency for both the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council and The Central Register of Smoking Therapists. Registration to this professional body is voluntary. Its aim is to facilitate agreed standards in the profession, promoting universal criteria for the regulation of hypnotherapy.

The General Hypnotherapy Standard Council acts as a link between the hypnotherapy industry and the Department of Health. Similarly to the organisations described above, it actively promotes voluntary self-regulation for hypnotherapy professionals. It is linked to the General Hypnotherapy Register in that it oversees the criteria to join the Register and also sets the criteria for the validation of hypnotherapy training courses.

Finally, Hypnotherapy Direct is a web directory of professional hypnotherapists in the UK, so members of the public can use it to find a reputable practitioner in their area. As well as details of local hypnotherapists, it offers information on hypnotherapy itself and how it can be of help to treat a range of problems.

Professional hypnotherapists usually provide information about their training and the professional organisations they are members of to their current and prospective patients, in order for the patient to verify their credentials. Hypnotherapists who are affiliated to the network of professional bodies outlined above are in a position to offer their patients the guarantee that they are qualified, professional hypnotherapy practitioners who operate in a safe environment. Patients can also trust that the hypnotherapist's activity is monitored on a regular basis and that they have undergone adequate training to practice hypnotherapy.

So, although no single body for accreditation of hypnotherapists exists in the UK yet, professional associations are pushing in this direction and actively encourage voluntary self-regulation for hypnotherapists, until universal compulsory regulation for the practice of hypnotherapy is enforced.